Dragon scale snakehead fish - The most beautiful and majestic ornamental snakehead fish

The dragon scale snakehead (Channa marulioides) is a freshwater, carnivorous, highly territorial aquarium fish with large, evenly arranged scales like "dragon scales".

The dragon scale snakehead fish (Channa marulioides) is an ornamental fish with a mysterious, unique and impressive beauty with large, shiny scales, arranged evenly, likened to "dragon scales". This fish has two main colors: red dragon scale snakehead fish and yellow dragon scale snakehead fish, currently loved by many ornamental fish players.

If you want to learn more about the origin, appearance, habits and how to care for dragon scale snakehead fish, please refer to the article below of ornamental snakehead fish !

Where does the dragon scale snakehead fish come from?

Dragon scale snakehead fish or Channa marulioides.

The dragon scale snakehead fish has the scientific name Channa marulioides. is an ornamental snakehead fish of the family Channidae, genus Channa. This fish species originates from southern Thailand (Below the Kra Isthmus), Malaysia and Indonesia.

In the wild, this fish species usually lives in canals, large rivers or freshwater lakes, typically the Danau Sentarum living system in Kalimantan, Borneo.

Nowadays, thanks to its beautiful appearance with colorful colors and unique habits, the dragon scale snakehead fish is very famous in the aquarium world and is sought after by many people.

Classification of dragon scale snakehead fish

Currently, there are two popular types of dragon scale snakehead fish: red dragon scale snakehead fish and yellow dragon scale snakehead fish, specifically as follows:

Red dragon scale snakehead fish

Appearance of red dragon scale snakehead fish.

The name "red dragon scale snakehead fish" comes from the fact that they have "dragon" scales with eye-catching red color. This is also a famous dragon scale fish and is loved by aquarium hobbyists. They have the following characteristics:

• Size : 35 - 40 cm long, long, slender body.
• Color : Light brown, gray background combined with black and bright red streaks on the body, looks extremely eye-catching.
• Eyes : Small, close to the mouth, bright red or orange-red in color.
• Fish head : Large, flat, with a brown or light orange-red background with prominent black spots, and large, hard scales.
• Scales : Large, shiny, dragon-like, arranged regularly and beautifully, some scales have metallic edges that stand out when swimming.
• Dorsal, caudal and anal fins : Large, usually dark blue-black, slightly iridescent.

Golden dragon scale snakehead fish

Appearance of the golden dragon scale snakehead fish.

The golden dragon scale snakehead fish is very famous and loved by many people because according to feng shui, the color yellow often symbolizes prosperity. Let's learn more about the appearance of this special fish:

• Size : 30 - 40 cm long, long, slender body.
• Appearance : Muscular, large head with large scales.
• Color : Light yellow, bright yellow or orange background combined with black stripes forming arrows running along the body looks extremely prominent.
• Scales : Large, bright yellow, evenly arranged to create a sparkling effect.
• Dorsal and anal fins : Black or blue-black background combined with yellow and orange rays.
• Fish eyes : Bright yellow or orange in color.

Behavior of dragon scale snakehead fish

Dragon scale snakehead fish only like to live alone.

Dragon scale snakehead fish not only possess outstanding appearance but they also have extremely unique habits, let's learn more details here.

Highly territorial

Dragon scale snakehead fish are very territorial, especially in the aquaculture environment. They are always vigilant in protecting their territory from strange fish, if violated, they will be ready to attack immediately.

Is a carnivorous, omnivorous fish

Like other snakehead fish, Channa marulioides is also a carnivorous fish. They hunt by hiding, lying still waiting for prey, then rushing out to attack and swallow it with their strong teeth.

In nature, they are omnivorous, can eat small fish, shrimp, prawns, insects and amphibians such as frogs, toads,...

Able to breathe air

Dragon scale snakehead fish can breathe air through their gills, so they can live in harsh, oxygen-poor environments. When kept in tanks, they also like to surface to get air.

Seasonal breeding

In the wild, Channa marulioides usually breeds seasonally, usually during the rainy season when conditions are favorable. Females usually lay their eggs in areas with lots of aquatic plants or at the bottom of the tank so that they can protect the eggs from predators. After the eggs hatch, the fry are protected by the mother until they are able to find food for themselves.

How to raise dragon scale snakehead fish for beginners

Dragon scale snakehead fish like clean water environment.

Dragon scale snakehead fish is a very interesting challenge for beginners in aquarium fish keeping. If you want to raise this fish well, please refer to the instructions below.

Aquarium design suitable for raising dragon scale snakehead fish

This fish species likes to live in a spacious and natural environment to grow and develop well. When designing a tank, please note the following:

• Tank size : Minimum volume is 100L with dimensions of 80 x 60 x 60 cm (Length x width x height) because this fish can grow up to 34 - 40 cm long when fully grown.
• Water filtration system : A good, effective filtration system is needed because this fish prefers clean water.
• Tank Cover : A tight fitting tank cover is required as this fish can jump out of the tank.
• Tank Decoration : Create hiding places by adding rocks, rotten wood, aquatic plants to help them feel safe.

Optimal water parameters for snakehead fish

For this fish to grow healthily and have the most beautiful colors, you need to pay attention to the parameters and water quality in the aquarium, which must fluctuate within the following ranges:

• Temperature : Fluctuates from 26 - 30 degrees Celsius.
• pH : From 6.5 - 7.5, from neutral to slightly acidic.
• Hardness : 5 - 15 dGH (light - medium hardness).
• Water change : Change 20 - 30% of the water in the tank every week to maintain optimal water quality.

What do dragon scale snakehead fish eat?

As shared above, the dragon scale snakehead fish is a carnivorous species, so some types of food suitable for this fish species are as follows:

• Fresh food: Shrimp, prawn, earthworm, bloodworm, baby fish, grasshopper, beef, chicken,...
• Pellet food: Choose specialized food for ornamental snakehead fish.
• Diet: Only feed 2-3 times/week, feed just enough food to avoid excess.
• Do not feed fatty foods: Limit feeding fish fatty foods to avoid fat accumulation and affecting the fish's health.

Health care for dragon scale snakehead fish

In addition to paying attention to food and water quality, you need to pay attention to the health of the snakehead fish. You need to observe carefully every day to detect any unusual signs and treat them promptly. Specifically as follows:

• Check for signs of illness : Fish swim sluggishly, lose color, have skin and fin ulcers, white spots appear,... then separate the fish from the tank and treat.
• Use preventive medicine : Use medicine to prevent fungal and bacterial diseases in fish, check water quality regularly and use additional disinfectants to reduce the risk of infectious diseases in the tank.
• Limit stress on fish : This species of fish is very susceptible to stress if the water environment changes suddenly. Therefore, you need to maintain a stable environment to keep the fish healthy.
• Limit co-breeding with other fish species : Dragon scale snakehead fish are highly territorial, so you need to limit co-breeding with other fish species. If you want to co-breed, choose fish of similar size and gentle nature to minimize conflicts.

How much is the dragon scale snakehead fish?

Currently, the price of Channa marulioides dragon scale snakehead fish fluctuates a lot depending on size, origin, color and rarity. Below is the price of this fish based on size, please refer to it to see if your finances are suitable for keeping this type of ornamental fish.

• Small dragon scale snakehead fish (8 - 12 cm) : Price ranges from 80,000 - 200,000 VND.
• Medium sized fish (About 15 - 30 cm) : About 800,000 VND.
• Dragon scale snakehead fish max size : Over 1,000,000 VND.

Note : The price of this fish may change over time and from store to store, so to get the latest and most accurate price information, please contact reputable aquarium stores directly or join aquarium groups on Facebook to learn more.

Beautiful dragon scale snakehead fish pictures

Right below are the beautiful moments of the golden dragon scale snakehead fish, red dragon scale snakehead fish, please admire more to fully visualize the brilliant beauty of this fish species.

A super beautiful Red Dragon Scale Snakehead Fish.

The golden dragon scale snakehead fish is swimming gracefully in the water.

New golden dragon scale snakehead fish has colorful and beautiful colors.

So, above snakehead.info has shared details about the dragon scale snakehead fish Channa marulioides . This is not only a beautiful ornamental fish, but it also helps to show the class of the ornamental fish player. If you have the conditions and experience in raising fish, then buy a Channa marulioides fish for yourself to experience.

If you want to learn more about other beautiful and hot snakehead fish species in the world, please visit our Blog section immediately . Goodbye and see you again!